Combination step and extension ladder



p 1, 1964 J. H. GEERDS 3,146,852

COMBINATION STEP AND EXTENSIW LADDER Filed March 29, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. 706 H. GEE/P05 BY 'W p 1, 1964 J. H. GEERDS 3,146,852

COMBINATION STEP AND EXTENSION LADDER Filed March 29, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. TOE H. 655/?05 United States Patent 3,145,852 COMBINATION STEP AND EXTENSKUN LADDER Joe H. Geerds, Hoiland, Mich, assignor to Holland Ladder 8: Manufacturing (10., Holland, Mich, a corporation of Michigan Filed Mar. 29, 1962, Ser. No. 183,457 3 Claims. (Cl. 182-22) This invention relates to ladders. More particularly, this invention relates to an improved ladder which may serve as both a step ladder and as an extension ladder.

Most families have use for both a step ladder and a straight ladder which allows its user to reach a greater height. However, purchasing and maintaining two ladders is expensive. Further, owning two ladders creates storage problems for many people. Previous attempts to provide a ladder which could serve both as a step ladder and as a straight ladder have been unsuccessful in that no positive support was provided for the ladder when used as a step ladder. Further, such structures were cumbersome and difficult to operate, consequently not serving either intended function satisfactorily.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an improved combination step and extension ladder.

Another object of this invention is the provision of such a ladder which provides the proper support needed when functioning as a step ladder.

Another object of this invention is the provision of such a ladder which provides a smoothly operating mechanism for converting the ladder from one to the other of its dual positions of use.

A further object of this invention is the provision of such a ladder which functions more effectively both as a step ladder and as an extension ladder, this being achieved through a relatively simple structure.

These and other objects of this invention will become obvious to those skilled in the ladder art upon reading the following specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the ladder of this invention, shown in the position for use as a step ladder;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view of one of the connecting elements of the ladder shown in FIG. 1, the connecting element being shown in partially collapsed position in dotted lines;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective and partially exploded side view showing the manner in which the connecting element is secured to one of the ladder sections;

FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 are side views showing the position of one end of the connecting element as it is moved from extended to collapsed position; and

FIG. 7 is a side view showing the connecting element in collapsed position, the ladder section positioned for use as an extension ladder.

Briefly, this invention relates to a combination step and extension ladder including first and second ladder sections, each including a pair of spaced uprights having a plurality of rungs extended therebetween. Means is associated with the top of the first section for slidably receiving and holding the top of the second ladder section. A connecting element extends between the first and second sections, one end of the element slidably secured to the second section.

Referring more specifically to the drawing, the reference numeral 1 designates an embodiment of a ladder made in accordance with the teachings of this invention. In FIG. 1, the ladder is positioned for use as a step ladder. The ladder 1 includes a first ladder section 2 and a second ladder section 10. The ladder sections 2 and 10 each include a pair of spaced uprights 3 and 11 respectively, together with a plurality of rungs 4 and 12 respectively extending therebetween. A bracket 5 is secured to the 3,145,852 Patented Sept. 1, 1964 "ice inside face of the top of each upright 3 of the first ladder section 2. Each of these brackets 5 extends partially about the top of an upright 11 of the second ladder section 10, thereby holding the tops of the two ladder sections together, yet allowing both pivotal and sliding movement of the two sections at this point, the purpose of which will be more fully explained hereinafter. On the top of each upright 11 of the second ladder section 10 is secured a plate 13 for receiving a supporting member (not shown) for various materials when the apparatus is used as a step ladder.

A connecting element 39 extends between corresponding uprights of the ladder sections 2 and 10. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each connecting element 319 is secured to an upright 3 of the first ladder section 2 at points spaced from the tops thereof. Each connecting element 31) includes a connecting bracket 31 secured as described to the upright 3 of the first ladder section 2 by means of screws 32, and a pair of arms 33 and 34 pivotally connected together at their ends by means of the pin 35 (FIG. 2). The arm 33 is pivotally connected to the connecting bracket 31 at 36. A pin 37 extends through the free end of arm 34, being rigidly secured thereto and having a button 38 on the end thereof (FIG. 3). The button 38 is of a generally circular configuration, having portions thereof removed along generally parallel chords. Thus, the length of the button 38 is greater than its width, the sides 39 thereof being curved and the sides 40 thereof being straight. A stop member 41 is rigidly secured to the other end of the arm 34, the stop 41 allowing pivotal movement of the arms 33 and 34 with respect to one another in one direction and preventing such pivotal movement in the other direction. A finger 42 extends downwardly and inwardly from the stop 41, the purpose of which will be explained hereinafter.

A slide means 15 is associated with each upright 11 of the second ladder section 10. In the embodiment shown, each slide means 15 includes a recess 16 formed in the outer face of its respective upright 11. Mounted within the recess 16 is a channel member 17, having flanges 18 extending toward each other from the ends of the legs thereof. The channel member 17 is secured within the recess 16 by any suitable means and in the embodiment shown the attachment includes a rod 19 having a head 20 on each of its ends (FIG. 3). The rod 19 extends through both of the uprights 11 of the ladder section 10, also extending through the bottom of the channels 17, the heads being then secured to the ends of the rod. This not only holds the tops of the channels in position, the heads 20 also act as a stop means which will be more fully described hereinafter. Further, the rod acts as a strengthening member for the second ladder section 10 as well. The recess 16 is widened adjacent its top as designated by the reference numerals 21 and 22. Further, the sides of the channel member 17 are cut away at this point to expose the channel to the grooves 21 and 22.

Assembly and Operation The ladder is assembled as follows. Upon provision of the ladder sections 2 and 15 as described, the ladder section 10 including the recesses 15 in its uprights, the connecting brackets 31 of the connecting elements 30 are secured to the outer faces of the uprights 3 of the first ladder section 2 by means of the screws 32, the connecting brackets being spaced from the top of the uprights 3. It will now be noted that the width of the channel member 17 is such that the buttons 38 of the connecting elements 30 may be slidably received therein to lie behind the flanges 18, the straight sides 40 of the buttons 38 engaging the wall of the channel member 17 Next, the channel members 17 are secured within the recesses 16 as described, the heads 26 of the rod 19 limiting upward movement of the buttons 3;? in the channels 17. With these simple steps, the ladder 1 is assembled.

The ladder 1 operates as follows. As shown in FIG. 1, the tops of the uprights 11 of the second ladder 10 are slidably held behind the brackets 5 on the tops of the uprights 3 of the first ladder section 2. The ladder sections 2 and are rigidly positioned by means of the connecting elements 30 being fully extended, downward pivoting of the arms 33 and 34 being prevented by the stop member 41. The button 38 cannot slide down the channel member 17 since it is positioned as shown in FIG. 4 when the connecting element 30 is in extended position. The channel members 17 are of a width less than the length of the buttons 38 in the position shown in FIG. 4. Thus, when the ladder 1 is used as a step ladder, the ladder sections are rigidly supported one with respect to the other, it being impossible for them to slide apart.

When one desires to collapse the step ladder and use the ladder 1 as an extension ladder, the connecting elements 30 are pivoted upwardly at generally their centers as shown best in FIG. 2. As the arms 34 are thus pivoted, the buttons 38 associated with the ends thereof pivot within the grooves 21 and 2:2 as shown in FIG. 5. As the ladder sections 2 and 10 are moved to the position shown in FIG. 7 to lie in generally parallel planes, the connecting elements 30 being completely collapsed, the buttons 38 have assumed the positions shown in FIG. 6. It will now be seen that the buttons 38 may slide down the channel members 17, the sides 40 of the buttons engaging the side walls of the channel members 17. Thus, since the brackets 5 of the first ladder section 2 slidably envelops the second ladder section 10, the second ladder section may be moved upwardly with respect to the first ladder section. This is a smooth, controlled guided relative movement as the finger 42 acts to position the ladder sections such that the buttons 38 slide smoothly within the channels 17. By means of conventional strap members 6 (FIG. 1), the ladder sections can be positioned one with respect to the other at the height desired.

To convert the ladder 1 back steps are simply reversed. The discontinued so that the sections a position where the the rod- 19. Then, ladder sections 2 and to a step ladder, these strap members 6 are are slidably moved to buttons 38 engage the heads of upon drawing the bottoms of the 10 apart, the arms 33 and 34 of the connecting elements pivot apart, the buttons 38 pivoting to the position shown in FIG. 4 within the grooves 21 and 22 as the arms 34 assume a horizontal position.

It will be noted that this invention has provided an improved combination step and extension ladder which operates effectively during either of its dual functions. Conversion of the ladder from one function to the other is smooth, simple and positive. When positioned for use as an extension ladder, the ladder is rigid, eliminating the unsteady feeling given when using many extension ladders. The connecting elements inherently assure the user that the sections are not over extended with respect to each other. When the ladder 1 is used as a step ladder, positive support is given for both of the ladder sections. The ladder is relatively simple in construction and therefore is neither clumsy nor excessively expensive to manufacture.

While only one embodiment of this invention has been shown and described, it may be possible to practice the invention through the utilization of certain other embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Such other embodiments are to be included as part of this invention unless the following claims expressly state otherwise.

I claim:

1. A combination step and extension ladder, comprising: first and second ladder sections, each including a pair of spaced uprights having a plurality of rungs extending therebetween; means associated with the top of said first section for slidably receiving and holding the top of said second section; a groove in and extending along the sides of said uprights of said second section; a pair of connection elements, each one of said elements pivotally secured at one end to each upright of said first section; each of said elements pivoted at points generally midway between their ends, said elements collapsible upwardly from a straight position; the other end of each of said elements slidably associated with a respective groove of said second section, said grooves including inwardly extending flanges along their lengths, said other ends of said elements including buttons slidable behind said flanges, said buttons fixedly secured to said elements and of the general configuration of a circle having portions thereof removed along parallel chords, said grooves being cut away adjacent their tops, receiving said buttons When said elements are extended, said buttons rotatable as said elements are pivotally collapsed to a position slidable along said grooves behind said flanges.

2. A combination step and extension ladder as defined in claim 1, said means associated with the top of said first section for slidably receiving and holding the top of said second section comprising a pair of brackets, one secured to each upright of said first section, said brackets at least partially enveloping said uprights of said second sections.

3. A combination step and extension ladder as defined in claim 1, said grooves comprising elongated inserts mounted in recesses in said uprights of said second References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

1. A COMBINATION STEP AND EXTENSION LADDER, COMPRISING: FIRST AND SECOND LADDER SECTIONS, EACH INCLUDING A PAIR OF SPACED UPRIGHTS HAVING A PLURALITY OF RUNGS EXTENDING THEREBETWEEN; MEANS ASSOCIATED WITH THE TOP OF SAID FIRST SECTION FOR SLIDABLY RECEIVING AND HOLDING THE TOP OF SAID SECOND SECTION; A GROOVE IN AND EXTENDING ALONG THE SIDES OF SAID UPRIGHTS OF SAID SECOND SECTION; A PAIR OF CONNECTION ELEMENTS, EACH ONE OF SAID ELEMENTS PIVOTALLY SECURED AT ONE END TO EACH UPRIGHT OF SAID FIRST SECTION; EACH OF SAID ELEMENTS PIVOTED AT POINTS GENERALLY MIDWAY BETWEEN THEIR ENDS, SAID ELEMENTS COLLAPSIBLE UPWARDLY FROM A STRAIGHT POSITION; THE OTHER END OF EACH OF SAID ELEMENTS SLIDABLY ASSOCIATED WITH A RESPECTIVE GROOVE OF SAID SECOND SECTION, SAID GROOVES INCLUDING INWARDLY EXTENDING FLANGES ALONG THEIR LENGTHS, SAID OTHER ENDS OF SAID ELEMENTS INCLUDING BUTTONS SLIDABLE BEHIND SAID FLANGES, SAID BUTTONS FIXEDLY SECURED TO SAID ELEMENTS AND OF THE GENERAL CONFIGURATION OF A CIRCLE HAVING PORTIONS THEREOF REMOVED ALONG PARALLEL CHORDS, SAID GROOVES BEING CUT AWAY ADJACENT THEIR TOPS, RECEIVING SAID BUTTONS WHEN SAID ELEMENTS ARE EXTENDED, SAID BUTTONS ROTATABLE AS SAID ELEMENTS ARE PIVOTALLY COLLAPSED TO A POSITION SLIDABLE ALONG SAID GROOVES BEHIND SAID FLANGES. 